APV vs LOW-COST COMPETITOR QUALITY GATE/ GLOBE VALVE
November 14, 2024
So, how does APV gate/ globe valve quality compare against its low-cost competitors?
APV specifies smoothness tolerances on the stem and the stuffing box that are superior to our competitors. Many manufacturers still produce under much older versions of the API standard regarding smoothness. Of course, even the API smoothness level is an absolute base level. A requirement for fugitive emission graphite packing, PTFE packing, and v-type PTFE packing is a higher level of smoothness. APV specifies a high smoothness level regardless of the packing type used.
The above photos show the difference between APV and a western branded low-cost competitor valve. Intended for the low cost domestic market, supplied at base-price-list. However, many (brand names) rebadge their brand and add nothing to the quality of the product. Another issue, as shown in the low-cost country photo, is the stuffing box is drilled out, not machined out. The bottom has not been re-machined to a flat bottom to seat the packing properly. This is especially an issue with austenitic forged gate/ globe valves with no back seat ring.
Don't risk it!
APV uses v-type chevron-style packing sets for PTFE and fugitive emission grade, die-form-moulded, Inconel wire-reinforced packing sets for graphite. APV gate globe valves have been fire-safe and fugitive emission prototype certified. Packing used also has total fugitive emission and fire-safe certification.
For safety and the environment, check your insurance policy and don’t risk ordering valves that are not adequately specified.
We're certified!
APV gate/ globe valves (forged/cast), ball valves, and high-performance butterfly valves (double offset/triple offset) with full fugitive emission packing. Coupled with superior stem and stuffing box smoothness tolerances, and are fire-safe certified.
For further details on APV fugitive emission valves, please view our other article here
Many manufacturers only make swing check valves to BS 1868 and BS 1873 for globe valves. Neither standard has been updated since 1975! By manufacturing only to these standards, manufacturers avoid the requirements mandated by API.
Oil & gas refineries/ ANSI/ASME valve specified activities do not accept the redundant BS 1873 & BS 1868 standards. Light industrial steam applications only use the old BS standards. The non-ASME market will only utilise the AS/BS table D to H.
API 594 is the governing standard for swing check valves. API 623 and API 600 are the governing standards for globe and gate valves. Compliance with modern fugitive emission requirements meant an upgrade to the API 602, API 600, and API 623 standards. Still, LCC manufacturers only sometimes comply with the latest version, even if they reference the standard.
